LG Chem is entering the global market with eco-friendly raw materials derived from vegetable oils. The company announced that it will commence the production of bio-acrylic acid in the second quarter of this year. Production capacity will ramp up to 100 metric tons (MT) of prototype annually.

Bio-acrylic acid can be applied to various materials, including cosmetic ingredients that directly contact the skin, super absorbent polymers (SAP) for diapers, adhesives for electronics and vehicles, coating materials, and eco-friendly paints. Although attempts to develop bio-acrylic acid technology have been made worldwide, none have reached commercialization until now.

LG Chem’s bio-acrylic acid is made from 3-Hydroxypropionic acid (3HP), produced by microbial fermentation of plant-based raw materials. The product retains the same molecular structure and properties as conventional acrylic acid while being entirely plant-based.

LG Chem developed its 3HP strain and fermentation technology in-house, earning the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Biobased Product label, confirming it as 100% bio-based last year.

Starting with prototype production, the company plans to actively promote the product to sustainability-driven companies in North America and Europe. The cosmetics industry, which increasingly demands plant-based and naturally derived ingredients without compromising functionality, is expected to be a key market for bio-acrylic acid.

LG Chem plans to operate a customized bio-acrylic acid production system that can respond immediately to customer needs and is considering expanding production facilities if market demand increases.

“We expect bio-acrylic acid to be an innovative product that meets the sustainability needs of our customers and the market. We will continue leading the development of eco-friendly technologies,” says Song Byung-Keun, senior vice president and Head of Acrylates/SAP Business Unit at LG Chem.